Loading car with takeup member operating outside the vehicle track

ABSTRACT

A tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle has a load receiving surface, a conveyor duct discharging upwardly onto the receiving surface and having a width coextensive with that of the receiving surface, conveying means operable in a conveyor duct to move harvested material along the duct to the receiving surface, a crop receiving drum, a frame mounting the drum and a transverse conveyor device conveying material from the receiving drum to the conveyor duct. The frame is mounted on the vehicle for movement between a first position, in which the drum extends perpendicularly to the path of vehicle movement and completely to one side of the vehicle, and a second position, in which the drum also extends perpendicularly to the direction of vehicle movement but is retracted beneath the vehicle. Releasable bracing and locking means are provided for maintaining the frame and the drum in each of the two positions. Various auxiliary elements cooperate with the drum, the transverse conveyor device and the conveyor duct, and may include, for example, cutting means operable to sever the harvested material as it is moved laterally into the conveyor duct.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Ernst Weichel Bahnhofstr. I, 7326, Heiningen Kreis, Goppingen, Germany [2|] Appl. No. 672,487

[22] Filed Oct. 3, 1967 [45] Patented July 13, I971 [32] Priority Oct. 4, I966 [33] Germany [54] LOADING CAR WITH TAKEUP MEMBER OPERATING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE TRACK I8 Claims, 34 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 56/364, 56/344 [51] Int.Cl A01d 89/00 [50] Field of Search...- 56/344, 359

[56] References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS 1,425,753 12/1965 France 56/364 1,215,994 5/1966 Germany.... 56/364 56/364 1,215,996 5/1966 Germany Primary ExaminerLouis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner.l. N. Eskovitz Attorney-McGlew and Toren ABSTRACT: A tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle has a load receiving surface, a conveyor duct discharging upwardly onto the receiving surface and having a width coextensive with that of the receiving surface, conveying means operable in a conveyor duct to move harvested material along the duct to the receiving surface, a crop receiving drum, a frame mounting the drum and a transverse conveyor device conveying material from the receiving drum to the conveyor duct. The frame is mounted on the vehicle for movement between a first position, in which the drum extends perpendicularly to the path of vehicle movement and completely to one side of the vehicle, and a second position, in which the drum also extends perpendicularly to the direction of vehicle movement but is retracted beneath the vehicle. Releasable bracing and locking means are provided for maintaining the frame and the drum in each of the two positions. Various auxiliary elements cooperate with the drum, the transverse conveyor device and the conveyor duct, and may include, for example, cutting means operable to sever the harvested material as it is moved laterally into the conveyor duct.

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F G- 3 l BY S T WEICHEL 4 TTOENEYS LOADWG CAR WITH TAKEUP MEMBER OPERATING ()UTSIDE THE VEHICLE TRACK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known to provide a crop carrying vehicle with a receiving drum operating in front of, or beneath, a conveyor duct having conveyor means therein. The receiving duct is mounted in a frame movable transverse to the direction of movement of the vehicle, which may be self-propelled or tractor drawn. The frame carrying the drum is movable from a position beneath the vehicle into a position laterally extended from the vehicle and in which a transverse conveyor device I conveys the harvested material, received from the drum, to

the conveyor duct.

With harvesting or crop carrying vehicles of this type, it is possible to pick up, in particular, cereals and leafy vegetables, from the ground or to harvest them from the crop, and to convey them, without any further ground contact, into the cargo space of the vehicle. This is particularly expedient when the material is spread in the field in very high swathes, or if the material is to be cut with a mower mounted on the tractor and projecting laterally therefrom, with the swathes to be loaded, all in a single operatiomSuch a method is also necessary in the case of root vegetables which are particularly sensitive to contamination, for example, beets, sugar beet leaves, field vegetables, or very long-stalked materials, such as cane sugar or corn.

Known crop harvesting vehicles usually are equipped with a receiving element working in the vehicle track, so that a tractor pulling the crop harvesting vehicle must move over the harvested material which is usually spread in swathes on the ground. Although the tractor wheels run on the ground to the left and to the right of the swathes, so that the tractor does not have to run directly over the harvested material, difficulties are encountered, particularly in the case of a tractor with only a small ground clearance or when the rear wheels of an attached vehicle or vehicle train cannot run exactly in the track of the front wheels, as when working on a slope.

For this reason, it hasbeen tried to provide known crop carriers or harvesters with a laterally swinging pulling device so that the vehicle can move in the track of a tractor, when on the road, but can be swung laterally next to the tractor track when loading in the field. The receiving element, arranged beneath the crop harvesting vehicle, can pick up harvested material next to the track of the tractor. Although in some operations, simultaneous moving and picking up of the same swathes is possible and large swathes could still be picked up, for example, in a flat terrain, over which the tractor would no longer move, these machines have the disadvantage that a very strong lateral pull acts on the tractor, since not only the empty harvesting vehicle but also the entire effective load is attached laterally to the tractor and the maneuverability of the machine is thus greatly impaired. For this reason, these laterally swinging harvesting vehicles are not suitable for use with small and lightweight tractors, or are not suitable for use on hilly terrain, on moist ground, or for operation by unskilled workers.

There are also known machines wherein the harvested material is moved laterally on the ground, by laterally operable loading rake elements or feed elements, so that the harvested material is brought into the working range of a receiving drum of a crop carrying vehicle attached in line with a tractor or the like. These machines have the disadvantage that the harvested material comes in contact with the ground during the lateral transportation, and thus is exposed to contamination.

Laterally attached machines, supported on their own undercarriage, are also known. They receive the harvested material, raise it laterally on the vehicle and-push it into the cargo compartment or blow the material into the cargo compartment. These machines have the disadvantage that they must be attached to the vehicles for loading of each individual vehicle, and then detached again, which requires considerable preparation periods or times.

A laterally attached receiving and conveyor device is also known, wherein the laterally received material is pushed, in one or several conveyor troughs and close to the ground, beneath the frame of the crop carrying vehicle and without ground contact, into the working range of the receiving or conveyor drum. Although this machine represents considerable progress, it still has the disadvantage thatit must be attached differently during working period than during transportation on the road, so that preparation times are required after the loading of each vehicle. For this reason, this type of device is suitable only for operation with large tractors operating over large areas.

In accordance with another proposal, the carrying vehicle is secured behind the tractor, and a single receiving drum is extended laterally during the work, together with a transverse conveyor device arranged behind the receiving drum, so that the receiving drum can feed the crop material to the carrying vehicle over the transverse conveyor device opening in to one side of the cargo chamber. An additional conveyor element can be arranged in the lateral inlet of the cargo chamber. On the road, the receiving drum is turned about a vertical axis beneath the load carrying surface of the carrying vehicle, and locked in such a way that it does not project beyond the lateral edge of the carrying vehicle during road transportation. It is also possible to slide the receiving drum and the transverse conveyor device, like a carriage, beneath the carrying vehicle, or to lift them about a horizontal axis.

This proposal has the disadvantage that the harvested material can only be received laterally next to the tractor, that the guidance of the receiving drum, in its operating position on the ground, is insufficient, and that the construction of the device for driving the receiving and transverse conveyor device, and for lifting out the receiving drum, is no longer possible or possible only at greatly increased expense. In addition, this device has the disadvantage that the harvested material is fed to the cargo chamber only at one corner.

Moreover, an expensive special design of scraper bottom is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to crop carrying or harvesting vehicles and, more particularly, to a novel and improved vehicle of this type in which the crop receiving drum and an associated transverse conveyor device may be selectively positioned either alongside the vehicle or beneath the vehicle and, in both positions, be operable to deliver material picked up to a conveyor trough leading upwardly to a cargo space on the vehicle.

The objective of the present invention is to avoid the mentioned disadvantages of known machines of this type and to provide a crop carrying vehicle with lateral reception of the harvested material, and which can remain constantly attached to a tractor immediately behind the latter. Additionally, the material can be received by the vehicle without ground contact in the track of the tractor, or laterally next to the track of the tractor or carrying vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle requires little preparation time when changing from the driving position to the operation position, and vice versa, at its operating functions can be supervised and executed from the driver seat of the tractor. The crop receiving element is guided satisfactory along the ground, and is protected to a great ex tent against damage, when striking against obstacles. The crop receiving element can be equipped with an inexpensive drive, and can be easily lifted out at the end of the field both in the inner working position and in the outer working position. In addition, the known advantages of a crop carrying vehicle, where the cargo chamber is filed from the bottom with regulable pressure through a duct which is about as wide as the load carrying surface of the vehicle, are retained in the invention of the vehicle.

This problem is solved, in accordance with the invention, in that the receiving drum, when in its retracted position beneath the carrying vehicle, is also operable to charge material into the conveyor duct which extends over the entire width of the load carrying surface of the vehicle.

An object of the-invention is to provide an improved tractor-drawn crop-carrying harvesting vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a vehicle in which the material to be harvested may be picked up in the track of the vehicle or in a track laterally alongside the track of the vehicle.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a vehicle including a relatively inexpensive and rugged receiving drum and associated transverse conveyor device mounted in a frame, the receiving drum extending transversely of the direction of movement of the vehicle and the frame being mounted for movement between a first position in which the receiving drum is disposed laterally outside the vehicle and a second position in which the receiving drum is disposed beneath the vehicle, the receiving drum, in both positions, extending transversely of the direction of vehicle movement.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a vehicle including releasable locking means effective to maintain the drum-carrying frame in each of its positions.

For an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is made to the following description of typical cmbodime'nts thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic partial side elevation view of the front part of a carrying vehicle embodying the invention,

FIG. 2 is a somewhat schematic top plan view of the arrangement shown in FIG. I, with the receiving drum extending laterally from the vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating a modified embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of another modified form of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is atop plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line X-X of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view, corresponding to FIG. 6, but to a larger scale; I

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9 illustrating the parts in a different position;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view through the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is a partial top plan view, similar to FIG. 7, of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view through another embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view illustrating a slightly modified ver sion of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lifting arrangement;

FIG. 18 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view corresponding to FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken on the line X-X of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 is a top plan view corresponding to FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 34 is a front elevation view of still another embodiment ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a crop carrying vehicle 1 is illustrated as equipped with a conveyor drum 18 for moving material along a conveyor duct l9 which discharges upwardly into the crop carrying space of vehicle 1. A receiving drum 2 is supported in frame 3 which encloses or carries a transverse conveyor device 4. Frame 3 is pivotally mounted, on a pivot 5, in a coupling bit 6. Pivot 5 extends parallel to the direction of movement of vehicle I, for adaptation of frame 3 to irregularities in the ground. Coupling bit 6 can be fixedly connected by a pin or plug 7, in either of two angular positions, with a push rod 8 which is so articulated, at a fulcrum 9 on the frame of vehicle 1 in the proximity of the vehicle axis, for example, and through the medium of a ball and socket joint, that it can be pivoted to a limited extent both in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction. Approximately at the level of coupling bit 6 there is mounted, at a fulcrum 11 on the vehicle, a guide rod 10 which can be turned in a vertical plane and which can be connected with coupling bit 6 by a quick-action lock. Guide rod 10 also can be longitudinally adjustable.

From FIG. 2, it will be noted that pushrod 8, in the position shown in solid lines, in cooperation with guide rod 10, fixes receiving drum 2 and frame 3 with respect to vehicle 1 so that receiving drum 2 can adapt itself, in the operating position, to irregularities of the ground. In the position shown in broken lines, pushrod 8 is beneath the bottom of vehicle 1 and guide rod 10 has been turned through approximately so that receiving drum 2 is also fixed in operating position with respect to vehicle 1. Changing of receiving drum 2 from the inner to the outer position, and vice versa, can be effected manually. Receiving drum 2 is at the same level, with respect to vehicle 1, both in the inner and in the outer position. Transverse conveyor device 4 is so designed that it can be displaced, in a telescopic manner, with respect to the rear wall of conveyor duct 19 and transversely of the direction of vehicle movement.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, guide rod 10 is replaced by a second longitudinally adjustable pushrod 12, which is secured at the fulcrum 13 on the left side of vehicle 1. This has the advantage that the end of pushrod 12 secured on coupling bit or jaw 6 is not completely disengaged or disconnected during the changeover, and that it is necessary only to lock the longitudinally adjustability of pushrod 12 itself. This latter can consist, for example and in a known manner, of two telescoped tubes. The loosening and locking of such a lock can be effected automatically through known spring-loaded latches, so that extension and retraction of receiving drum 2, during a field operation, can be effected from the tractor seat by steering a corresponding curve.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which frame 3 is held, on its side facing vehicle 1, by an S- shaped guide rod M, which can swing, in bearingslS and 16, about axes of rotation extending in the direction of vehicle movement, and frame 3 is guided on the ground by feeler wheels 23. The outer side or end of frame 3 is engaged by a longitudinally adjustable pushrod 17 which is articulated at the fulcrum ll and which guides frame 3 in a manner such that the latter can move in a vertical direction while maintaining the prescribed angle with respect to vehicle l.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, receiving drum 2 is guided over the ground by feeler wheels 23, and transverse conveyor device 4 is designed as known pushrods 24 which rotate about at least one crankshaft 25 and which, at their inner ends, rest either on a second crankshaft or are held movably by a guide rod 250. Pushrods 24 are arranged beneath a slotted bottom wall 26 of conveyor device 4 and are provided with prongs 24a protruding upwardly through the slots, these prongs moving the material in only one direction. A compression device 27 is secured laterally on the frame of vehicle 1, and can be designed at the same time as a conveyor device. Compressor device 27 takes material from pushrods 24 and pushes it, from the side, into conveyor duct 19. At the rear end of conveyor duct 19 there is arranged a switching or feeler flap 28 which controls coupling ofa drive shaft with conveyor drum l8 responsive to pressure of material on flap 28.

Those prongs 13a of conveyor drum 18 adjoining receiving drum 2 are designed as cutting elements, so that the material, in case it should be felted, can be cut off exactly at the transition point between transverse conveyor 4 and conveyor duct 19, during lifting or rotation of conveyor drum 118, in order to avoid clogging. Transverse conveyor device 4 is provided with a vertical rear wall 4a, so that no material can fall out at the rear.

FIGS. 9, l0 and 11 show compression device 27 to a larger scale. This compression device is driven by a drive shaft 29 and is articulated on the chassis of vehicle 1 at the fulcrums 30. Device 27 is rigidly connected with the frame of vehicle 1, in its operating position, by adjustable struts 31a and 31b, and can be folded in so far toward vehicle frame 1, in its transportation position as shown in FIG. 10, that it does not project laterally to any substantial extent. Instead of the representation shown in FIG. ltl, folding could also be effected in a ing 39 to the crank drive of compression device 27, and

another drive shaftdl extends from gearing 39 to a chain drive 42 arranged at the outer side or end of frame 3. Chain drive 42 drives receiving drum 2 and,.through an additional drive shaft 43, a gear 44 which is in operative connection with crankshaft 25.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, thebottom part of conveyor duct 19 is widened by a detachable hinged wall 45 and a cover 46, and closed at the front, in

the manner described above, by the flap 22. This arrangement manner such that the struts are folded down, about one or more superposed joints and in such a way that the struts are folded upward and the compression device is in transportation position in the space above the conveyor drum of the carrying vehicle. This latter embodiment, which has not been illustrated, permits using a compression device 27 that projects far out, that is, a device which alreadyengages the material at the outer end of receiving drum 2 and conveys it in a direction toward the carrying vehicle 1.

I At the inlet of conveyor duct R9, there is arranged a flap 33 which can be spring-loaded to avoid clogging. Struts 31a and 31b are secured on brackets 34a and 34b secured to the frame of vehicle l. The actual compression element 32 can be designed as a crank rotating about a crankshaft, and controlled by known guide rods 32a.

In FIG. l2, which is a partial section of conveyor drum 18 with prongs li er, conveyor duct l9, and scraper bottom 20 of vehicle 1, transverse conveyor 21 is designed as an endless belt, and a subdivided flap 22 is provided and is inoperative, in the position represented in broken lines, when receiving drum 2 is retracted beneath vehicle ll. ln the position shown in solid lines, flap 2.2 is folded down, after receiving drum 2 has been swung out laterally, in such a way that it forms, with the rear wall of conveyor duct W, a trough closed at thebottom and whose upper cover is the known stripping lattice 1%. From here, prongs 18a of conveyor drum 18 press the material through conveyor duct 19 upwardly into the cargo or crop receiving chamber 9f vehicle ll.

FIG. l3 illustrates the driving means for the machine shown in FIGS. 6 through l2. A power input shaft 35, which is merely is advisable when it is desired to force the material only in larger portions, and by slowly moving conveyor elements, into the receiving chamber on vehicle 1, or when high driving speeds are required, so that there is more room for the trans verse conveyance of the material in the trough ofthe conveyor duct. i

The frame mounting arrangement shown in FIG. 15 comprises two pushrods 39 arranged in the manner of a parallelogram, and of these pushrods, only one has to be connected with coupling bit or jaw 6 on frame 3. The fulcrums of pushrods 439 are designedas universal joints.

FIG. 16 shows a similar embodiment wherein the inner and outer positions are receiving drum 2 can be rigidly fixed by transposing an intermediate strut 50.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and I8, these figures illustrate an elevating means for receiving drum 2, where removal of the drum is possible in the inner position thereof. This elevating means comprises an elevator shaft 52 extending transversely of the direction of vehicle movement and which can be rotated by a chain or cable 51, acting in the direction of vehicle movement, by mechanical means or by hand. On shaft 52 there are fixed two cable drums 53 each associated with a respective chain or cable 5 8 during rotation of shaft 52. Thus, frame 3 is lifted, together with transverse conveyor device 4 and receiving drum 2. Before turning frame 2 to the laterally projected position, cables 54 must be disengaged from fastenings on frame 3 by means of a spring safety hook (not shown).

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an embodiment of the invention wherein frame 3 is guided along the ground by a feeler wheel 55 arranged at the center of receiving drum 2 and extended forwardly by two projecting arms 60 on which are articulated two additional feeler stirrups 58 in the joints 56 and 57. These support any lateral inclinations of receiving drum 2 with respect to the ground. Receiving drum 2 itself is provided with elastic prongs and secured firmly in frame 3 between arms 60. Feeler wheel 55 is designed for vertical adjustment and pivotal movement.

In the slightly modified embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, feeler stirrups 58 are omitted and receiving drum 2 is suspended swingingly on joints 56 and 57 through rockers 62. Two feeler wheels as are secured on frame 3. In this embodiment, receiving drum 2 can yield upwardly to the rear without being damaged, when striking against obstacles, for example, boundary stones, and can be lifted at least so far, for example, at the end of the field, and by simple means which have not been shown, such as a hydraulic elevator or a Bowden cable,

' that it does not come in contact with the ground when the vehicle makes a turn. In this way it is possible to design the elevator so that it can be used for higher lifting in the driving position only in the retracted position of the receiving drum (see FIGS. 17 and 38). FIGS. 23 and 2 3 show a modified embodiment similar to H08. 211 and 22, where extension of receiving drum 2 is effected after loosening a locking device (not shown) on pushrods 8 in such a way that the driver steers a curve in the field so that receiving drum 2 swings out laterally about the fulcrum; ll. Retraction of receiving drum 

1. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle having a load receiving surface, a conveyor duct having a forwardly directed inlet and a lateral inlet and discharging upwardly onto the load receiving surface and having a width coextensive with that of the load receiving surface, conveying means operable in the conveyor duct to move harvested material along the duct to the load receiving surface, a crop receiving drum, a frame mounting the receiving drum, and a transverse conveyor device conveying material from the receiving drum to the conveyor duct: the improvement comprising, in combination, means mounting said frame on said vehicle for movement between a first position, in which said drum extends perpendicularly to the path of vehicle movement and completely to one side of the vehicle and is in materialfeeding communication with said lateral duct inlet, and a second position, in which said drum also extends perpendicularly to the direction of vehicle movement but is retracted beneath the vehicle; and said drum is in material-feeding communication with said forwardly directed duct inlet; and releasable bracing means maintaining said frame in each of the first and second positions.
 2. In a tractor-driven crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, which the lengths of said receiving drum and said transverse conveyor device, measured transversely of the direction of vehicle movement, are greater than the width of said crop carrying vehicle.
 3. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said transverse conveyor device has a bottom wall adjoining said receiving drum and an upright rear wall bordering said bottom wall; and mechanical conveyor means in the range of said rear wall acting to move material in a direction transversely of the direction of vehicle movement.
 4. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said conveyor duct has a forwardly directed inlet; and a movable flap operable to close said forwardly directed inlet when said frame is in its first position in which said receiving drum extends completely to one side of said vehicle.
 5. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said conveyor duct has a lateral inlet adjoining said transverse conveyor device; and a movable flap operable to close said lateral inlet when said conveyor duct is being charged from the front.
 6. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, including an additional conveying and compression device extending along said vehicle above said transverse conveyor device; said conveyor duct having a lateral inlet communicating with said transverse conveyor device; said additional conveying and compression device conveying material in the direction of said lateral inlet and transverse to the conveying directions of said conveying means operable in said conveyor duct.
 7. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said conveyinG means operable in said conveyor duct is a conveyor drum; and driving means operable to drive said conveyor drum intermittently.
 8. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 7, including control means operable to start said driving means; and a control flap in said conveyor duct and operable, response to pressure of material thereon, to actuate said control means to start operation of said driving means.
 9. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said conveyor duct includes relatively movable cooperable wall parts latchable in predetermined relation to vary the effective interior surface of said conveyor duct in the receiving range of said conveying means operable in said conveyor duct.
 10. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said frame mounting means comprises pushrods arranged as a parallelogram.
 11. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 10, including releasable locking means on said frame cooperable with said push rods to releasably lock said frame in either its first position or its second position.
 12. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 10, in which at least one of said push rods is designed as a Cardan drive shaft.
 13. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, including crop cutting means positioned in the area of the transition between said transverse conveyor device and said conveyor duct.
 14. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said means mounting said frame includes a carriage; guide means extending transversely of said vehicle and supporting said carriage for movement transversely of said vehicle; and cable means connected to said frame and to said carriage.
 15. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said means mounting said frame comprises a threaded spindle and a nut threaded on said spindle, one of said spindle and said nut being secured to said frame and the other of said spindle and said nut being secured to said vehicle whereby, upon relative rotation of said nut and said spindle said frame is moved between its first and second positions.
 16. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said means mounting said frame comprises a hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement connected between said frame and said vehicle for moving said frame between its first and second positions.
 17. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle, the improvement claimed in claim 1, including feeler means and associated control means operatively associated with said frame and operable, responsive to said feeler means striking obstacles, to effect movement of said frame to clear said obstacles.
 18. In a tractor-drawn crop carrying vehicle having a load receiving surface, a conveyor duct discharging upwardly onto the load receiving surface and having a width coextensive with that of the load receiving surface, conveying means operable in the conveyor duct to move harvested material along the duct to the load receiving surface, a crop receiving drum, a frame mounting the receiving drum, and a transverse conveyor device conveying material from the receiving drum to the conveyor duct: the improvement comprising, in combination, means mounting said frame on said vehicle for movement between a first position, in which said drum extends perpendicularly to the path of vehicle movement and completely to one side of the vehicle, and a second position, in which said drum also extends perpendicularly to the direction of vehicle movement but is retracted beneath the vehicle; and releasable bracing means maintaining said frame in each of the first and second positions; said transverse conveyor device including a bottom wall and an upright wall bordering said bottom wall and extending above The lowermost portion of the surface of said conveyor duct; said upright wall comprising telescopic components which can be telescoped into each other when said frame is moved from its first position into its second position in which it is retracted beneath the vehicle. 